Chapter VIII (2)

Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty. This is a matter of so much importance, and may have such grave results, that any advice which Lord Melbourne could give would be of little importance unless it coincided with the opinions of others, and particularly of all those who were and intend still [to] continue to be his colleagues.

It will depend upon their determination whether your Majesty is to be supported or not. The best course will perhaps be that you should hear Sir Robert Peel's determination, say nothing, but send for Lord Melbourne, and lay the matter before him. Lord Melbourne will then summon a Cabinet to consider of it.

[Pageheading: THE LADIES OF THE BEDCHAMBER]

_Extract from the Queen's Journal._

_9th May 1839._

At half-past six came Lord Melbourne and stayed with me till ten minutes past seven.

[Pageheading: THE LADIES]

I then began by giving him a detailed account of the whole proceeding, which I shall state here as briefly as possible. I first again related what took place in the two first interviews, and when I said that the Duke said he had assisted my Government often very much, Lord Melbourne said: "Well, that is true enough, but the Duke did all he could about this vote." "Well, then," I said, "when Sir Robert Peel came this morning, he began first about the Ministry. I consented, though I said I might have my personal feelings about Lord Lyndhurst and Lord Aberdeen, but that I would suppress every personal feeling and be quite fair. I then repeated that I wished to retain about me those who were not in Parliament, and Sir Robert _pretended_ that I had the preceding day expressed a wish to keep about me those who _were_ in Parliament. I mentioned my wish to have Lord Liverpool, to which Sir Robert readily acceded, saying he would offer him the place of Lord Steward, or of Lord in Waiting. He then suggested my having Lord Ashley,[36] which I said I should like, as Treasurer or Comptroller. Soon after this Sir Robert said: 'Now, about the Ladies,' upon which I said I could _not_ give up _any_ of my Ladies, and never had imagined such a thing. He asked if I meant to retain _all_. '_All_,' I said. 'The Mistress of the Robes and the Ladies of the Bedchamber?' I replied, '_All_,'--for he said they were the wives of the opponents of the Government, mentioning Lady Normanby[37] in particular as one of the late Ministers' wives. I said that would not interfere; that I never talked politics with them, and that they were related, many of them, to Tories, and I enumerated those of my Bedchamber women and Maids of Honour; upon which he said he did not mean _all_ the Bedchamber women and _all_ the Maids of Honour, he meant the Mistress of the Robes and the Ladies of the Bedchamber; to which I replied _they_ were of more consequence than the others, and that I could _not_ consent, and that it had never been done before. He said I was a Queen Regnant, and that made the difference. 'Not here,' I said--and I maintained my right. Sir Robert then urged it upon _public grounds only_, but I said here I could not consent. He then begged to be allowed to consult with the Duke upon such an important matter. I expressed a wish also to see the Duke, if Sir Robert approved, which he said he did, and that he would return with the Duke, if I would then be prepared for the decision, which I said I would. Well," I continued, "the Duke and Sir Robert returned soon, and I first saw the Duke, who talked first of his being ready to take the post of Secretary for Foreign Affairs, which I had pressed Peel to urge on him (the Duke having first wished to be in the Cabinet, without accepting office), and the Duke said, 'I am able to do anything,' for I asked him if it would not be too much for him. Then I told him that I had been very well satisfied with Sir Robert yesterday, and asked the Duke if Sir Robert had told him what had passed about the Ladies. He said he had, and then I repeated all my arguments, and the Duke his; but the Duke and Sir Robert differed considerably on two points. The Duke said the _opinions_ of the Ladies were nothing, but it was the _principle_, whether the Minister could remove the Ladies or not, and that he (the Duke) had understood it was stated in the Civil List Bill, 'that the _Ladies were instead of the Lords_,' which is quite false, and I told the Duke that there were not _twelve Lords_, as the expense _with the Ladies_ would have been too great." Lord Melbourne said: "There you had the better of him, and what did he say?" "Not much," I replied. I repeated many of my arguments, all which pleased Lord Melbourne, and which he agreed to, amongst others, that I said to the Duke, Was Sir Robert so weak that _even_ the Ladies must be of his opinion? The Duke denied that. The Duke then took my decision to Sir Robert, who was waiting in the next room; after a few minutes Sir Robert returned. After stopping a few minutes, as I have already stated, Sir Robert went to see his colleagues, and returned at five: said he had consulted with those who were to have been his colleagues, and that they agreed that, with the probability of being beat the first night about the Speaker, and beginning with a Minority in the House of Commons, that unless there was _some_ (_all_ the Officers of State and Lords I gave up) demonstration of my confidence, and if I retained all my Ladies this would not be, "they agreed unanimously they could not go on." I replied I would reflect, that I felt certain I should not change my mind, but that I should do nothing in a hurry, and would write him my decision either that evening or the next morning. He said, meanwhile, he would suspend all further proceedings.

[Footnote 36: Afterwards Earl of Shaftesbury, the well-known
Philanthropist.]

[Footnote 37: J. W. Croker wrote to the King of Hanover:--

"_11th May 1839._

"... This is the sum of the whole affair. Sir R. Peel could
not admit that broad principle that all were to remain.
Lady Normanby (whom the Queen particularly wishes for), for
instance, the wife of the very Minister whose measures have
been the cause of the change, two sisters of Lord Morpeth, the
sisters-in-law of Lord John Russell, the daughter of the Privy
Seal and the Chancellor of the Exchequer....

"Her Majesty's ball last night was, I am told, rather dull,
though she herself seemed in high spirits, as if she were
pleased at retaining her Ministers. She has a great concert on
the 13th, but to both, as I hear, the invitations have been on
a very exclusive principle, no Tories being invited who could
on any pretence be left out. These are small matters, but
everything tends to create a public impression that Her
Majesty takes a personal and strong interest in the Whigs--a
new ingredient of difficulty."--_Croker Papers_, II. 347.]

I also told Lord Melbourne that I feared I had embarrassed the Government; that I acted quite alone. Lord Melbourne saw, and said I could not do otherwise. "I must summon the Cabinet," said Lord Melbourne, at half-past nine. "It may have very serious consequences. If we can't go on with this House of Commons, we may have to dissolve Parliament, and we don't know if we may get as good a House of Commons." I begged him to come, and he said: "I'll come if it is in any time--if it's twelve; but if it's one or two, I'll write."

After dinner (as usual with the Household) I went to my room, and sat up till a quarter past two. At a quarter to two I received the following letter from Lord Melbourne, written at one o'clock:--

[Pageheading: THE QUEEN'S ULTIMATUM]

_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._

_10th May 1839_ (1 A.M.).

Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty. The Cabinet has sate until now, and, after much discussion, advises your Majesty to return the following answer to Sir Robert Peel:--

"The Queen having considered the proposal made to her yesterday by Sir Robert Peel to remove the Ladies of her Bedchamber, cannot consent to adopt a course which she conceives to be contrary to usage, and which is repugnant to her feelings."[38]

[Footnote 38: Greville asserts that the plan adopted by the
outgoing Cabinet, of meeting and suggesting that this letter
should be despatched, was "utterly anomalous and unprecedented,
and a course as dangerous as unconstitutional.... They ought to
have explained to her that until Sir Robert Peel had formally
and finally resigned his commission into her hands, they could
tender no advice.... The Cabinet of Lord Melbourne discussed
the proposals of that of Sir Robert Peel, and they dictated to
the Queen the reply in which she refused to consent to the
advice tendered to her by the man who was _at that moment_ her
Minister."--_Greville's Journal, 12th May 1839._]

_Queen Victoria to Sir Robert Peel._

_10th May 1839._

The Queen having considered the proposal made to her yesterday by Sir Robert Peel, to remove the Ladies of her Bedchamber, cannot consent to adopt a course which she conceives to be contrary to usage, and which is repugnant to her feelings.[39]

[Footnote 39: Sixty years later the Queen, during a
conversation at Osborne with Sir Arthur Bigge, her Private
Secretary, after eulogising Sir Robert Peel, said: "I was very
young then, and perhaps I should act differently if it was all
to be done again."]

_Queen Victoria to Viscount Melbourne._

BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _10th May 1839._

The Queen wrote the letter before she went to bed, and sent it at nine this morning; she has received no answer, and concludes she will receive none, as Sir Robert told the Queen if the Ladies were not removed, his party would fall directly, and could not go on, and that he only awaited the Queen's decision. The Queen therefore wishes to see Lord Melbourne about half-past twelve or one, if that would do.

The Queen fears Lord Melbourne has much trouble in consequence of all this; but the Queen was fully prepared, and fully intended to give these people a fair trial, though she always told Lord Melbourne she knew they couldn't stand; and she must rejoice at having got out of the hands of people who would have sacrificed every personal feeling and instinct of the Queen's to their bad party purposes.

How is Lord Melbourne this morning?

[Pageheading: AN ANXIOUS WEEK]

_Queen Victoria to Viscount Melbourne._

BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _10th May 1839._

Half-past one will do as well as one; any hour will do that Lord Melbourne likes, for the Queen will not go out.

There is no answer from Peel.

The Queen is wonderfully well, considering all the fatigue of yesterday, and not getting to bed till near half-past two, which is somewhat of a fatigue for to-night when the Queen must be very late. Really all these Fêtes in the midst of such very serious and anxious business are quite overwhelming.

_Queen Victoria to Viscount Melbourne._

BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _10th May 1839._

The Queen forgot to ask Lord Melbourne if he thought there would be any harm in her writing to the Duke of Cambridge that she really was fearful of fatiguing herself, if she went out to a party at Gloucester House on Tuesday, an Ancient Concert on Wednesday, and a ball at Northumberland House on Thursday, considering how much she had to do these last four days. If she went to the Ancient Concert on Wednesday, having besides a concert of her own here on Monday, it would be four nights of fatigue, really exhausted as the Queen is.

But if Lord Melbourne thinks that as there are only to be English singers at the Ancient Concert, she ought to go, she could go there for one act; but she would much rather, if possible, get out of it, for it is a fatiguing time....

As the negotiations with the Tories are quite at an end, and Lord Melbourne _has been here_, the Queen hopes Lord Melbourne will not object to dining with her on _Sunday_?

[Pageheading: RESIGNATION OF PEEL]

_Sir Robert Peel to Queen Victoria._

_10th May 1839._

Sir Robert Peel presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has had the honour of receiving your Majesty's note of this morning.

In respectfully submitting to your Majesty's pleasure, and humbly returning into your Majesty's hands the important trust which your Majesty had been graciously pleased to commit to him, Sir Robert Peel trusts that your Majesty will permit him to state to your Majesty his impression with respect to the circumstances which have led to the termination of his attempt to form an Administration for the conduct of your Majesty's Service.

In the interview with which your Majesty honoured Sir Robert Peel yesterday morning, after he had submitted to your Majesty the names of those whom he proposed to recommend to your Majesty for the principal executive appointments, he mentioned to your Majesty his earnest wish to be enabled, with your Majesty's sanction, so to constitute your Majesty's Household that your Majesty's confidential servants might have the advantage of a public demonstration of your Majesty's full support and confidence, and that at the same time, as far as possible consistently with that demonstration, each individual appointment in the Household should be entirely acceptable to your Majesty's personal feelings.

On your Majesty's expressing a desire that the Earl of Liverpool[40] should hold an office in the Household, Sir Robert Peel requested your Majesty's permission at once to offer to Lord Liverpool the office of Lord Steward, or any other which he might prefer.

Sir Robert Peel then observed that he should have every wish to apply a similar principle to the chief appointments which are filled by the Ladies of your Majesty's Household, upon which your Majesty was pleased to remark that you must reserve the whole of those appointments, and that it was your Majesty's pleasure that the whole should continue as at present, without any change.

The Duke of Wellington, in the interview to which your Majesty subsequently admitted him, understood also that this was your Majesty's determination, and concurred with Sir Robert Peel in opinion that, considering the great difficulties of the present crisis, and the expediency of making every effort in the first instance to conduct the public business of the country with the aid of the present Parliament, it was essential to the success of the Commission with which your Majesty had honoured Sir Robert Peel, that he should have that public proof of your Majesty's entire support and confidence which would be afforded by the permission to make some changes in that part of your Majesty's Household which your Majesty resolved on maintaining entirely without change.

Having had the opportunity through your Majesty's gracious consideration, of reflecting upon this point, he humbly submits to your Majesty that he is reluctantly compelled, by a sense of public duty and of the interests of your Majesty's service, to adhere to his opinion which he ventured to express to your Majesty.

He trusts he may be permitted at the same time to express to your Majesty his grateful acknowledgments for the distinction which your Majesty conferred upon him by requiring his advice and assistance in the attempt to form an Administration, and his earnest prayers that whatever arrangements your Majesty may be enabled to make for that purpose may be most conducive to your Majesty's personal comfort and happiness, and to the promotion of the public welfare.

[Footnote 40: Charles Cecil Cope Jenkinson, third Earl,
1784-1851, became Lord Steward in 1841.]

[Pageheading: THE QUEEN'S JOURNAL]

_Extract from the Queen's Journal._

_Friday, 10th May 1839._

Lord Melbourne came to me at two and stayed with me till ten minutes to three. I placed in his hands Sir Robert Peel's answer, which he read. He started at one part where he (Sir Robert) says, "_some_ changes"--but some or all, I said, was the same; and Lord Melbourne said, "I must submit this to the Cabinet." Lord Melbourne showed me a letter from Lord Grey about it--a good deal alarmed, thinking I was right, and yet half doubtful; one from Spring Rice, dreadfully frightened, and wishing the Whig ladies should resign; and one from Lord Lansdowne wishing to state that the ladies would have resigned. Lord Melbourne had also seen the Duke of Richmond, and Lord Melbourne said we might be beat; I said I never would yield, and would never apply to Peel again. Lord Melbourne said, "You are for standing out, then?" I said, "Certainly." I asked how the Cabinet felt. "John Russell, strongly for standing out," he said; "Duncannon, very much so; Holland, Lord Minto, Hobhouse, and the Chancellor, all for standing out; Poulett Thomson too, and Normanby also; S. Rice and Howick alarmed."

[Pageheading: CABINET MINUTE]

CABINET MINUTE.

_Present._

The LORD CHANCELLOR.
The LORD PRESIDENT.
The LORD PRIVY SEAL.
VISCOUNT MELBOURNE.
The MARQUIS OF NORMANBY.
The EARL OF MINTO.
The CHANCELLOR OF THE DUCHY OF LANCASTER.
The LORD JOHN RUSSELL.
The VISCOUNT PALMERSTON.
The VISCOUNT HOWICK.
The VISCOUNT MORPETH.
Sir JOHN HOBHOUSE, Bart.
The CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER.
Mr. POULETT THOMSON.

Her Majesty's Confidential Servants having taken into consideration the letter addressed by Her Majesty to Sir Robert Peel on the 10th of May, and the reply of Sir Robert Peel of the same day, are of opinion that for the purpose of giving to an Administration that character of efficiency and stability and those marks of the constitutional support of the Crown, which are required to enable it to act usefully for the public service, it is reasonable that the great offices of the Court and the situations in the Household held by members of either House of Parliament should be included in the political arrangements made on a change of Administration; but they are not of opinion that a similar principle should be applied or extended to the offices held by Ladies in Her Majesty's Household.[41]

[Footnote 41: This paragraph was read by Lord John Russell
to the House of Commons during the course of the Ministerial
explanations on 13th May.]

Her Majesty's Confidential Servants are therefore prepared to support Her Majesty in refusing to assent to the removal of the Ladies of her Household, which Her Majesty conceived to be contrary to usage, and which is repugnant to her feelings, and are prepared to continue in their offices on these grounds.

Viscount Howick concurs in the opinion expressed in the foregoing Minute that the removal of the Ladies of Her Majesty's Household ought not to form part of the arrangements consequent upon a change of Administration, and shares in the readiness his colleagues have declared to support Her Majesty in acting upon this opinion; but he thinks it his duty to state his conviction that the immediate resumption of their offices by Her Majesty's Confidential Servants is not the mode in which their support can be most effectively afforded and is not calculated to promote the good of Her Majesty's service.

He conceives that before it is determined that the present Administration should be continued, further explanation should be sought with Sir Robert Peel, by which it is not impossible that his concession to Her Majesty's just objection to the removal of the Ladies of her Household might have been obtained, while the endeavour to arrive at this result, even though unsuccessful, would at all events tend to secure additional support to Her Majesty's present Servants, and thus to enable them to surmount those difficulties, which have recently compelled them humbly to tender their resignations to Her Majesty, and which he fears will be found not to have been diminished by the course it has now been determined to pursue.

In humbly submitting this opinion to Her Majesty, Viscount Howick begs permission to add that he nevertheless acquiesces in the determination of his colleagues, and will render them the best assistance in his power in their endeavour to carry on Her Majesty's service.

[Pageheading: MELBOURNE RESUMES OFFICE]

_Queen Victoria to Viscount Melbourne._

BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _11th May 1839._

The Queen is very anxious to hear that Lord Melbourne has not suffered from the ball last night, as it was very hot at first. The beginning was rather dull and heavy, but after supper it got very animated, and we kept it up till a quarter past three; the Queen enjoyed herself very much and isn't at all tired; she felt much the kindness of many of her kind friends, who are her _only real_ friends. Lady Cowper and Lord and Lady Minto, the Duchess of Somerset, and Lord Anglesey were particularly kind. On the other hand, there were some gloomy faces to be seen, and the Duchess of Gloucester was very cross.

The Queen is ashamed to say it, but she has forgotten _when_ she appointed the Judge Advocate; when will the Cabinet be over?

The Queen danced the first and the last dance with the Grand Duke,[42] made him sit near her, and tried to be very civil to him, and I think we are great friends already and get on very well; I like him exceedingly.

[Footnote 42: The Hereditary Grand Duke of Russia, afterwards
the Emperor Alexander II.]

_Queen Victoria to Viscount Melbourne._

BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _12th May 1839._

The Queen anxiously hopes Lord Melbourne is quite well this morning, and has _not_ suffered from the dinner at Pozzo's.

The Queen wishes to know if she ought to say anything to the Duchess, of the noble manner in which her Government mean to stand by her? The account in the _Observer_ of the whole proceeding is the most correct both as to details and facts, that the Queen has yet seen; were they told what to put in? There was considerable applause when the Queen entered the Theatre, which she, however, thought best and most delicate not to encourage, and she was cheered when she drove up to the Theatre and got out, which she never is in general.

The Grand Duke came and sat with the Queen in her box, for at least half an hour last night--and the Queen asked him if he knew exactly what had happened, which he said he did not--and the Queen accordingly gave him an account of what passed, and he was _shocked_ at Sir Robert Peel's proposal, thought his resignation on that account absurd, and was delighted at the continuance in office of my present Government.

The Queen supposes and fears that Lord Melbourne dines with the Lansdownes to-morrow, but she wishes to know if Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday would suit him?

Lord Melbourne must not forget the List of our supporters in the House of Commons, which the Queen is very anxious to have as soon as possible. If Lord Melbourne can dine here to-morrow the Queen would be glad, of course.

[Pageheading: LORD JOHN RUSSELL'S OPINION]

_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._

_13th May 1839._

Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has the honour to report that he this day made his statement to the House, in answer to Sir Robert Peel.

Sir Robert Peel made a skilful, and not unfair statement. He, however, spoke only of his intention of changing some of the Ladies of the Bedchamber. But he did not say that he had made this intention clear to your Majesty; only that he had so arranged the matter with his political friends. The popular impression is greatly in favour of the course pursued by your Majesty.

_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._

_14th May 1839._

Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and is most sorry to hear that your Majesty does not feel well. It is very natural that your Majesty does not. Lord Melbourne does not believe that there was anything wanting in your Majesty's manner yesterday evening,[43] but depend upon it, if there was, every allowance would be made for the fatigue and anxiety which your Majesty has gone through, and for the painful and embarrassing situation in which your Majesty is still placed.

Lord Melbourne will wait upon your Majesty at two, and will have the honour of conversing with your Majesty upon Peel's speech.

[Footnote 43: At the State Concert.]

[Pageheading: THE QUEEN'S VIEW]

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _14th May 1839._

MY DEAR UNCLE,--I begin to think you have forgotten me, and you will think I have forgotten you, but I am certain you will have guessed the cause of my silence. How much has taken place since Monday the 7th to yesterday the 13th. You will have easily imagined how dreadful the resignation of my Government--and particularly of that truly inestimable and excellent man, Lord Melbourne--was for me, and you will have felt for me! What I suffered I cannot describe! To have to take people whom I should have no confidence in, ... was most painful and disagreeable; but I felt I must do it, and made up my mind to it--nobly advised and supported by Lord Melbourne, whose character seems to me still more perfect and noble since I have gone through all this.

I sent for the Duke of Wellington, who referred me to Peel, whom I accordingly saw.

Everything fair and just I assented to, even to having Lord Lyndhurst as Chancellor, and Sir H. Hardinge and Lord Ellenborough in the Cabinet; I insisted upon the Duke in the Foreign Office, instead of Lord Aberdeen.... All this I granted, as also to give up all the Officers of State and all those of my Household who are in Parliament.

When to my utter astonishment he asked me to change my Ladies--my principal Ladies!--this I of course refused; and he upon _this resigned_, saying, as he felt he should be beat the very first night upon the Speaker, and having to begin with a minority, that unless he had this demonstration of my confidence he could not go on!

You will easily imagine that I firmly resisted this attack upon my power, from these people who pride themselves upon upholding the prerogative! I acted quite alone, but I have been, and shall be, supported by my country, who are very enthusiastic about it, and loudly cheered me on going to church on Sunday. My Government have nobly stood by me, and have resumed their posts, strengthened by the feelings of the country....

Pray tell my dearest Aunt that I really cannot write to her to-day, for you have no conception of what I have to do, for there are balls, concerts, and dinners all going on besides. Adieu! my beloved Uncle. Ever your devoted Niece,

VICTORIA R.

[Pageheading: APPROVAL OF KING LEOPOLD]

_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._

LAEKEN, _17th May 1839._

MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--I feel deeply grateful for your very kind and interesting letter, which reached me yesterday, inclusive of the papers.

You have passed a time of great agitation and difficulty, which will, however, contribute to enlarge the circle of your experience. _I approve very highly of the whole mode in which you proceeded_; you acted with great _good faith_ and _fairness_, and when finally propositions were made which you considered you could not submit to, you were very right to resist them. The march of the whole affair is very clear and fair, and does you _great credit_.... Peel in making his demand misjudged you; he remembered George IV., and even the late King, and dreamt of Court influence of people near the Sovereign. You have the great merit, for which you cannot be too much praised, of being _extremely honest_ and honourable in your dealings. If you had kept Peel, you would have acted honestly by him, without any Lady's having a chance of doing him a bad turn. When he asked the measure as an expression of your great confidence in him, it was not fair, because _you_ had not wished to take him; he was forced upon you, and therefore, even if you had granted his request, nobody would have seen in it a proof of your confidence in him, but rather a sacrifice to a far-stretched pretence.

Besides, that he was to have encountered difficulties as a Minister was partly the consequence of the policy of his party, and you were not bound to give him any assistance beyond what he had a right to ask as a Minister. I was sure that Lord Melbourne would give you both the fairest and the most honourable advice in this painful crisis. He was kind enough last year to speak to me on the subject, and I could but approve what he said on the subject. Altogether, keeping now your old Ministers, you will have reason to congratulate yourself on the result; it is likely to strengthen them, by showing the Radicals what may be the consequences.

Rumour spoke of their wishing to add some Radicals to the Cabinet; I don't see that they could improve the Ministry by it, which is perfectly well composed as it is at present, and new elements often have a dissolving effect. It was very kind of you to have explained everything so clearly to me, but I deserve it for the _great interest_ I take in all that concerns you....

[Pageheading: A SMALL LIBERAL MAJORITY]

_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._

_6th June 1839._

Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has the honour to report that Sir Robert Peel's Bill[44] was discussed yesterday in the House of Commons, with great fairness and an entire absence of party spirit.

Viscount Melbourne will have acquainted your Majesty with the result of the Cabinet of yesterday. It appears to Lord John Russell that the Liberal party, with some explanation, will be satisfied with the state of things for the present, and that the great difficulties which attend the complete union of the majority will be deferred till the commencement of next Session. It is always well to have some breathing-time.

[Footnote 44: The Jamaica Bill for the temporary suspension of
the Constitution.]

_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._

WILTON CRESCENT, _11th June 1839._

Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has the honour to state that the division of last night was extremely encouraging to the future prospects of the Government.

Combined with the division on the Speakership,[45] it shows that the Liberal party have still a clear though small majority in the House of Commons, and that it may probably not be necessary to resort to a dissolution. Indeed, such a measure in present circumstances would be of very doubtful issue.

Lord John Russell stated last night that he would not divide on the Canada resolutions, but move for leave to bring in a Bill.

[Footnote 45: Mr Shaw Lefevre was elected by 317 against 299
for Mr Goulburn.]

_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._

_6th July 1839._

Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has the honour to report that Mr. Rice yesterday brought forward his financial statement with great ability.

He moved a resolution in favour of a penny postage, which Sir Robert Peel declared it to be his intention to oppose on the report. This will be on Friday next. This seems a mistake on the part of the Opposition.[46]

[Footnote 46: The penny postage scheme came into operation on
10th January 1840.]

[Pageheading: THE QUEEN AND PRINCE ALBERT]

_Queen Victoria to Viscount Melbourne._

BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _12th July 1839._ (_20 minutes to 12._)

The Queen is really quite shocked to see that her box was taken to Lord Melbourne to Park Lane, and she fears (by the manner in which Lord Melbourne's note is written) that he was at dinner at Lady Elizabeth H. Vere's when he got it. The Queen had imagined that the House of Lords was still sitting, and therefore desired them to take the box there, but never had intended it should follow him to dinner; she begs Lord Melbourne to excuse this mistake which must have appeared so strange.

Did the dinner go off well at Lady Elizabeth H. Vere's, and were there many people there? Did Lord Melbourne go to Lady R. Grosvenor's party or did he go home?

The Queen hopes Lord Melbourne is quite well and not tired.

Monday at two o'clock for the Judge Advocate.

The Queen hears Lady Sandwich is very much delighted at her appointment.

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _15th July 1839._

MY DEAR UNCLE,--I have no letter from you, but hope to get one soon....

I shall send this letter by a courier, as I am anxious to put several questions to you, and to mention some feelings of mine upon the subject of my cousins' visit, which I am desirous should not transpire. First of all, I wish to know if _Albert_ is aware of the wish of his _Father_ and _you_ relative to _me?_ Secondly, if he knows that there is _no engagement_ between us? I am anxious that you should acquaint Uncle Ernest, that if I should like Albert, that I can make _no final promise this year_, for, at the _very earliest_, any such event could not take place till _two or three years hence_. For, independent of my youth, and my _great_ repugnance to change my present position, there is _no anxiety_ evinced in _this country_ for such an event, and it would be more prudent, in my opinion, to wait till some such demonstration is shown,--else if it were hurried it might produce discontent.

Though all the reports of Albert are most favourable, and though I have little doubt I shall like him, still one can never answer beforehand for _feelings_, and I may not have the _feeling_ for him which is requisite to ensure happiness. I _may_ like him as a friend, and as a _cousin_, and as a _brother_, but not _more_; and should this be the case (which is not likely), I am _very_ anxious that it should be understood that I am _not_ guilty of any breach of promise, for _I never gave any_. I am sure you will understand my anxiety, for I should otherwise, were this not completely understood, be in a very painful position. As it is, I am rather nervous about the visit, for the subject I allude to is not an agreeable one to me. I have little else to say, dear Uncle, as I have now spoken openly to you, which I was very, _very anxious_ to do.

You will be at Paris, I suppose, when you get this letter, and I therefore beg you to lay me at the feet of the whole family, and to believe me ever your very devoted Niece,

VICTORIA R.

_Queen Victoria to Viscount Melbourne._

BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _20th July 1839._

The Queen anxiously hopes Lord Melbourne has slept well, and has not suffered from last night. It was very wrong of him not to wish the Queen good-night, as she expected he would in so small a party, for she _saw_ that he did _not_ go away immediately after supper. When did he get home? It was great pleasure to the Queen that he came last night. We kept up the dancing till past three, and the Queen was much amused, and slept soundly from four till half-past ten, which she is ashamed of. She is quite well, but has got a good deal of cold in her head; she hopes to see Lord Melbourne at two.

[Pageheading: THE DUCHESS OF BRAGANZA]

_Queen Victoria to Viscount Melbourne._

BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _25th July 1839._

The Queen has seen the Duchess of Braganza,[47] who, though a good deal changed, is still handsome, and very amiable; she seemed so glad, too, to see the Queen again. The child[48] is grown a dear fine girl. Lord Palmerston thought it right that I should ask her to dinner also on Saturday and take her to the Opera; and on Sunday, as she came on purpose to see the Queen, and goes on Monday.

On Sunday (besides Lord Melbourne) the Queen proposes asking Palmerston, Normanby, Uxbridge, and Surrey, and no one else except the Duchess's suite. The Queen hopes Lord Melbourne will approve of this. He will not forget to let the Queen know how the debate is going on, at about nine or ten, as she will be curious to know. She trusts he will not suffer from the fatigue of to-night.

[Footnote 47: The step-mother of Donna Maria. Pedro I. assumed
the title of Duke of Braganza after his abdication.]

[Footnote 48: Probably the princess known as "Chica,"
afterwards Princesse de Joinville.]

[Pageheading: SYRIAN AFFAIRS]

_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._

ST CLOUD, _26th July 1839._

... Everything is pretty quiet, and the _grâce accordée à Barbès_[49] has put down the rage against the King personally, at least for some little time. The affairs of the Orient interest a good deal. I think that it is better the Porte should be on a favourable footing with Mehemet Ali than if that gentleman had pushed on in arms, as it will put the _casus foederis_ out of the question, and the Turks will not call in the assistance of the Russians. Whoever pushed the late Sultan into this war has done an act of great folly, as it could only bring the Porte into jeopardy.

[Footnote 49: Armand Barbès, the leader of a fatal riot
in Paris, was sentenced to death, a sentence afterwards
remitted.]

_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._

_3rd August 1839._

Lord Melbourne will wait upon your Majesty at a quarter before five, if possible, but there is much to discuss at the Cabinet. The Caspian Pasha has taken the Turkish fleet to Alexandria,[50] and Mehemet Ali says that he will not give it up to the Sultan until he dismisses the Grand Vizier, and acknowledges the hereditary right of the Pasha to the countries which he at present governs. This is to make the Sultan his subject and his vassal.

The accounts from Birmingham are by no means good.[51] There has been no disturbance of the peace, but the general disposition is both violent and determined.

[Footnote 50: The Viceroy of Egypt had revolted against the
Porte, and on 8th June the Sultan purported to deprive him and
Ibrahim, his son, of their dignities. War was declared,
and the Turkish fleet despatched to Syria. But the Admiral
treacherously sailed to Alexandria, and the Ottoman troops,
under Hafiz, who had succeeded Mehemet Ali in the Government
of Egypt, were utterly routed. With the traitorous conduct
of the Turkish admiral, Disraeli, a few years later, compared
Peel's conversion to Free Trade.]

[Footnote 51: Chartist riots were very frequent at the time.
_See_ Introductory Note, _ante_, p. 141. (to Ch. VIII)]

[Pageheading: THE OPERA]

_Queen Victoria to Viscount Melbourne._

BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _4th August 1839._

The Queen hopes Lord Melbourne is quite well this morning, and did not sit up working very late last night; the Queen met him twice yesterday in the Park, and really wondered how anybody _could_ ride, for she came home much hotter than she went out, and thought the air quite like as if it came out of an oven; to-day we can breathe again. It was intensely hot at the Opera; the Queen-Dowager visited the Queen in her box, as did also the young Grand Duke of Weimar, who is just returned from Scotland, and whom the Queen has asked to come after dinner to-morrow. The Queen has not asked the Duke of Sussex to come after dinner to-morrow, as she thought he would be bored by such a sort of party; does not Lord Melbourne think so? and she means to ask him to dinner soon.

The Queen has not asked Lord Melbourne about any days this week besides to-morrow (when she trusts he may be able to come, but she does not know what there is in the House) and Wednesday; but perhaps Lord Melbourne will consent to leave Thursday and Friday open in _case_ he should be able to come one or both of those days.

_Queen Victoria to Viscount Melbourne._

BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _4th August 1839._

The Queen has just received Lord Melbourne's letter; and wishes to know if Lord Melbourne means by "to-day" that he is also coming to see her _this afternoon_, (which she does not expect) as well as _this evening_? for she did _not_ ask him in her note of this morning _if_ he would come to-night (for she felt _sure_ of that), but if he could come _to-morrow_, about which he has not answered her, as to whether he expects there will be anything of great length in the House of Lords. Lord Melbourne will forgive the Queen's troubling him again, but she felt a little puzzled by his letter; she sent him a card for Wednesday without previously asking him, as she thought that would suit him, and hopes it does?

The Queen will follow Lord Melbourne's advice respecting the Duke of Sussex.

We have just returned from hearing not only a very long, and very bad, but also, a very ludicrous, sermon.

The heat is somewhat less, but the Queen is undecided as to driving out or not.

[Pageheading: KING LOUIS PHILIPPE]

_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._

LAEKEN, _9th August 1839._

... I am sorry that you are less pleased with the old Duke, but party spirit is in England an incurable disease. These last two years he had rendered essential service to the present Administration; perhaps he has been soured by last summer's events. It was my intention to have answered your questions sooner, but from Paris I had not the means. Now the time draws so near when I hope to have the happiness of seeing you, that I think it will be better to treat the matter verbally, the more so as my most beloved Majesty is easily displeased with what may be written with the best intention, instead that in conversation the immediate reply renders any misunderstanding, however small, very difficult; and as I do not wish to have any great or small with you, and see no occasion for it, I will give my answer _de vive voix_.

Now comes a subject which will _astonish_ you. I am charged _de sonder_ your will and pleasure on the following subject. The King my father-in-law goes to Eu, where he hopes to remain till the 5th or 6th of September. Having at his disposition some very fine steamers, his great wish would be to go over to Brighton, just for one afternoon and night, to offer you his respects in person. He would in such a case bring with him the Queen, my Aunt, Clémentine,[52] Aumale and Montpensier. The first step in this business is to know what your pleasure is, and to learn that very frankly, as he perfectly understands that, however short such a visit, it must be submitted to the advice even of some of your Ministers. What renders the thing very difficult, in my opinion, is that in a country like France, and with so many Ministerial difficulties, the King to the _last hour_ will hardly know if he can undertake the thing. As, however, the first object is to know your will, he begged me to ascertain that, and to tell you that if you had the _smallest objection_ you would not be carried away by the apprehension of hurting him by telling me honestly that you did _not_ see how the affair could be arranged, but to speak out, that he knew enough how often objections may arise, and that even with himself he could only be sure of the thing at the last moment.

[Footnote 52: Who afterwards married Queen Victoria's cousin,
Prince Augustus (Gusti) of Coburg.]

[Pageheading: THE NEW SULTAN]

_Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria._

FOREIGN OFFICE, _19th August 1839._

Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and in submitting the accompanying private letter from the Earl Granville[53] begs to state that neither Viscount Melbourne nor Viscount Palmerston are of opinion that it would be expedient that your Majesty should send an Ambassador Extraordinary to compliment the young Sultan[54] on his accession. The circumstances connected with his accession are indeed fitter matter for condolence than for congratulation, and he would probably be better pleased by the restoration of his fleet than by the arrival of Ambassadors Extraordinary. Moreover, it has not been customary for the Sovereign of England to send such missions upon the accession of Sultans.

[Footnote 53: The first Earl Granville (1773-1846), formerly
Ambassador Extraordinary to the Russian Court, at this time
Ambassador at Paris.]

[Footnote 54: Abdul Medjid, a lad of sixteen, succeeded the
Sultan Mahmoud. The majority of the Powers agreed to place him
under the protection of Europe, and to warn Mehemet Ali
that the matter was for Europe, not him, to decide. France,
however, wished to support Mehemet, and direct the Alliance
against Russia. But Nicholas I. of Russia was prepared to
support England as far as regarded the affairs of Turkey and
Egypt, and to close the Dardanelles and Bosphorus to warships
of all nations, it being stipulated that Russian ships of war
only were to pass the Bosphorus, as acting under the mandate
of Europe in defence of the Turks. _See_ further, Introductory
Notes for 1839 and 1840. (to Ch. VIII and Ch. IX)]

_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._

OSTENDE, _24th August 1839._

... The King's intention would be to leave Eu in the evening, let us say at eight or nine o'clock, and to land, perhaps at ten or eleven, at Brighton on the _following morning_. He would have the honour of dining with you, and would re-embark in the _evening of the same day_, so as to be back on the _following morning_ at Eu. He will therefore, as you see, _not_ sleep in England.

If you cannot give any _pied-à-terre_ in the Palace for these few hours, they will remain in an hotel. But I must say that as the King and Queen put themselves to _some inconvenience in coming_ to see you, it would be _rather desirable_ to offer them rooms in the Palace, which I think might be easily managed. As far as we are concerned, it _does not matter_ if we are housed in an hotel or where we bivouac. I will charge Van de Weyer to take rooms for us somewhere....

Do not imagine that I have done the least to bring this about for my own satisfaction, which is _very limited_ in this business, but the King wished _much to see you once_, and so did the Queen, who abhors sailing more than anybody, and this is perhaps the _only_ opportunity which may ever offer of doing it, even with some political benefit, as it certainly is desirable that it should appear that the two maritime Powers are on good terms.... And now, God bless you! Ever, my dearest Victoria, your devoted Uncle,

LEOPOLD R.

[Pageheading: LOUIS PHILIPPE'S VISIT]

_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._

OSTENDE, _25th August 1839._ (_La St Louis._)

MY DEAR VICTORIA,--To keep up the fire of letters, I write again, having received this morning interesting news. As I must forward this letter by Calais, and know not who may read it in these times of curiosity, I am forced to be guarded; but the news are as follows, of the 23rd--curious coincidence, as your letter was also of that date--that, the moment _approaching, many and serious_ difficulties arise, and that the expedition was considered imprudent by some people, that, besides, the presence would perhaps be required, before the _possible_ departure, at the _usual home_ of the person interested, that therefore for the present it would perhaps be best to give it up. I must say that I am _most happy_ that matters have come to this pass, because it would have been next to impossible to arrange affairs properly in proper time. You may now consider everything _as over_, and settle your plans without reference to it....

[Pageheading: THE VISIT POSTPONED]

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _26th August 1839._

MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I had already written you a letter when I received your two very kind ones, and I shall therefore not send my first. My friendship for the dear King and Queen makes me, as you may easily understand, wish most exceedingly to see them and to make the acquaintance of the Queen and all the family. And I feel the immense kindness of them all in wishing to see me, and in coming over for only a few hours. Politically it would be _wished_ by _us all_, and the _only_ difficulty I see is the following, which is, that _I do not feel quite_ equal to going to Brighton and receiving them all, so soon after the Prorogation.[55] I do not _feel_ well; I feel _thoroughly_ exhausted from all that I have gone through this Session, and am quite knocked up by the two little trips I made to Windsor. This makes me fear, uncertain as it all is, with such a pressure of business, so many affairs, and with so much going on, that I should be unequal to the journey and the whole thing. This, and this _alone_, could make me express a wish that this most kind visit should take place _next_ year instead of this year. I feel such regret really in saying this--I should so wish to see them, and yet I feel I am not _quite_ up to it. You will understand me, dear Uncle, I am certain, as I know the anxiety you always express for my health. For _once_ I _long_ to leave London, and shall do so on Friday. If you could be at Windsor by the 4th, I should be delighted.

The dear Ferdinands, whom I _all dearly_ love, will await you here. I have had so much to do and so many people to see, that I feel quite confused, and have written shockingly, which you must forgive. Ever your devoted Niece,

VICTORIA R.

[Footnote 55: On 27th August.]

[Pageheading: THE QUEEN'S SPEECH]

_Queen Victoria to Viscount Melbourne._

BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _26 August 1839._ (_10 minutes to 12._)

The Queen has received both Lord Melbourne's notes; she was a good deal vexed at his not coming, as she had begged him herself to do so, and as he wrote to say he would, and also as she thinks it right and of importance that Lord Melbourne should be here at large dinners; the Queen _insists_ upon his coming to dinner to-morrow, and also begs him to do so on Wednesday, her two last nights in town, and as she will probably not see him at all for two days when she goes on Friday; the Queen would wish to see Lord Melbourne _after_ the Prorogation to-morrow at any hour _before_ five he likes best.

The Queen has been a good deal annoyed this evening at Normanby's telling her that John Russell was coming to town next Monday in order to _change_ with _him_.[56] Lord Melbourne _never_ told the Queen that this was definitely settled; on the contrary, he said it would "remain in our hands," to use Lord Melbourne's own words, and only be settled during the Vacation; considering all that the Queen has said on the subject to Lord Melbourne, and considering the great confidence the Queen has in Lord Melbourne, she thinks and feels he ought to have told her that this was _settled_, and not let the Queen be the last person to hear what is settled and done in her own name; Lord Melbourne will excuse the Queen's being a little eager about this, but it has happened once before that she learnt from other people what had been decided on.

The Queen has such unlimited confidence in Lord Melbourne that she knows all that he does is right, but she cannot help being a little vexed at not being told things, when she is accustomed to great confidence on Lord Melbourne's part.

Lord Melbourne may rely on the Queen's secrecy respecting Howick; he knows the Queen always keeps things to herself; Normanby hinted at his wish to get rid of Howick.

The Speech is safely arrived, has been read over twice, and shall not be forgotten to-morrow; the Queen wishes they would not use such thin and slippery paper--for it is difficult to hold with nervous, and, as Lord Melbourne knows, _shaking_ hands. The Queen trusts Lord Melbourne will be less tired in the morning.

[Footnote 56: _See_ Introductory Note, _ante_, p. 141. (to Ch. VIII)]

_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._

OSTENDE, _21st September 1839._